US State Department's big decision, Peshawar mission closed
The United States is permanently closing its consulate in Peshawar. The US State Department notified Congress of this decision this week. According to a copy of the notification obtained by the Associated Press, this move will save the department $7.5 million (approximately 63 crore rupees) annually. The department states that this will not negatively impact the US's ability to promote national interests in Pakistan. This decision is part of a process of downsizing federal agencies that has been underway since the Trump administration and has been under consideration for more than a year.
Decision not made due to Iran
This US decision is unrelated to the Iran war or recent protests there. However, violent protests have recently erupted in several cities, including Karachi and Peshawar, over Iran-related issues. The protests did impact the consulate's operations for a time. The Peshawar consulate currently employs 18 US diplomats and 89 local staff, including government employees.
How much will it cost?
The closure of the Peshawar Consulate will cost the US State Department approximately $3 million, of which more than half ($1.8 million) will be used to relocate the armored trailers (which were being used as temporary offices). The remaining amount will be used to transfer vehicles, electronic equipment, telecommunications equipment, and furniture to the US Embassy in Islamabad and other consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
Why is the Peshawar Consulate important?
The Peshawar Consulate is important because of its proximity to the Afghanistan border. It serves as a major transit point for Afghans seeking assistance, including US citizens. All consular services (such as visas, assistance to US citizens, etc.) will now be handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad, located approximately 184 kilometers from Peshawar.
The Islamabad Embassy will continue to operate.
The US State Department has clarified that the closure will not adversely affect the protection of US interests, assistance to citizens, or oversight of foreign assistance programs, as all these functions will continue to operate from the Islamabad Embassy. This is the first foreign diplomatic mission to be completely closed due to the department's reorganization.
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